Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announced Tuesday that Deputy Police Chief Tom Quinlan will become the interim police chief when Chief Kim Jacobs retires February 8.
Quinlan, who first joined the division in 1989, has been deputy police chief since 2013. In 2009, he was promoted to commander and has held assignments in patrol and traffic. He became a lieutenant in 2001 and a sergeant in 1996.
“In the weeks ahead, I will be implementing policies and practices that are strategically designed to improve accountability and transparency,” Quinlan announced.
Ginther says nationwide search for a new chief has no predetermined timeline. If the city hires a chief from outside the department, it would be the first time in history. In 2018, the Civil Service Commission approved changes to allow searches to include outside candidates.
“When Chief Jacobs announced her retirement, I promised the community would have a process in helping us find her replacement, they would have a role in this process," Ginther says.
He also announced that Deputy Chief of Staff for External Affairs Dawn Tyler Lee will lead the search for a permanent chief. An advisory committee of regular citiznes will help select a new police chief.
The city will also issue a request for proposal to contract with a national search firm.
Jacobs announced her upcoming retirement on Christmas Eve.